Interview: 2019 Arkansas OL Myles Jerrels Quickly Picking Up Playing Center

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

For some, walking and chewing gum at the same time is tough. Ever see anyone pat their head and rub their stomach at the same time – there is a thought process needed to wire the brain to complete the action. Two stress free motions that are hard for many. Now imagine snapping a football between your legs with a massive nose guard or defensive tackle ready to take your head off with the slightest movement of your snap hand. If the pressure is not mounting, realize that in addition to snapping the ball under center or in the shotgun, as the center you also have to block said nose guard or tackle. Few can do it, but if you are Myles Jerrels you have picked up the task in days not months helping move Lakeside High School’s offense down the field.

Jerrels got a head start on his varsity career playing JV ball and serving as the back-up right tackle during his sophomore season against Arkansas 5A competition. The time in the trenches has helped the now 6-3, 275 pound, lineman grow into his role as a leader in the trenches at a key spot. Aiding in his maturation was a plethora of college camps over the summer adding tricks of the trade to the tool belt. All the offseason work could not have prepared him for taking over at center during Week 2 of the season. But, Jerrels stepped up to the task learning his way on the job instead of in practice during the offseason.

In a Recruiting News Guru One to Watch Interview, I sat down the emerging lineman finding out how he is taking to the new role on the offensive line while learning more about the Rams 2017 team.

Interview

Myles, how has the season started out for you in the trenches?

“It has started out well. We’ve had a couple of rough games. I have a lot to learn, but all in all I think I am doing well for my first varsity season playing center.”

When did you make the move from right tackle to center?

“This year. After our first game.”

How are you liking snapping?

“I like it a lot. I like it more than right tackle.”

What are some of the challenges snapping has presented for you?

“The whole position change has been a challenge. At first, going from a two-point to a three-point stance, the snap, and getting your block was a challenge. The cadence in the different quarterbacks has been a challenge as well.”

What kind of blocking schemes do the Rams execute?

“We like to do double-guard pulls with down blocks on the play side. We do a lot of running and we do some passing. We are pretty even between passing and running.”

Did you attend any camps this summer to help learn more about being an offensive lineman?

“Yes, sir. I went to UCA (Central Arkansas), ATU (Arkansas Tech), Sam Houston, the Southern Elite 150, Rivals combine, Arkansas’ Trench Hogs camp, and a Memphis camp.”

What did you learn at the camps that are helping you this year on the field?

“My ball get-off. I learned a lot about hand placement and when to press my hands on to someone.”

Which schools are showing interest in you?

“Right now, I have an offer from Hendrix. I am receiving emails from Harvard, and some other coaches on Twitter. UCA, Arkansas, and ATU are showing interest.”

Have you taken any unofficial visits yet?

“Yes, sir. I went to a UCA game last year.”

Do you have any planned visits for this fall?

“We plan on going to Arkansas, UCA, UTA, and Hendrix.”

How is everything going in the classroom?

“I have a 3.46 GPA.”

Have you taken the ACT or SAT yet?

“I took the ACT my sophomore year scoring a 20.”

Nice. Do you play any other sports for Lakeside?

“I wrestle. That has helped me on the field with leverage. Wrestling helps me get onto people and use my hands with my blocks. I got fourth in state as a sophomore.”

Turning back to football. The Rams get Camden Fairview on Friday, what challenges does their defense present for you and the rest of the offense?

“Probably the biggest is their two ends – they are fast. Last year, No. 81 (Tarrion Thompson) created problems for our tackles. Their middle linebacker is a thumper and they blitz a lot.”

Are there any games left on the schedule you are excited to play a little more than the rest?

“White Hall. They beat us pretty bad last year, I am ready to return the favor.”

Is there a next level player you watch to learn more about the game?

“No one specific, but when I watch a game I watch my position to see what they are doing.”

What is your motivation on the field?

“My motivation on the field is seeing all the hard work put in by me and my teammates paying off. We want to keep on going with the goal to get a conference championship and go for a state championship.”

Myles, thanks for your time today and good luck on Friday against Camden Fairview.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credits: Tommy Land; No. 61 Myles Jerrels in action